National Reconciliation Week (NRW) takes place 27 May – 3 June. 2021 also marks 20 years of Reconciliation.
This annual event started in 1993 as a Week of Prayer for Indigenous Peoples and by 1996 the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week. The dates in particular hold significant meaning commemorating two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. According to Reconciliation Australia, “for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Australia’s colonial history is characterised by devastating land dispossession, violence, and racism. Over the last half-century, however, many significant steps towards reconciliation have been taken”.
National Reconciliation Week reminds us that “it is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia”.
This year’s theme “More than a word. Reconciliation takes action” calls for a braver more impactful movement towards Reconciliation.
This theme holds significant meaning for Anchor as we have begun working towards our own Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We have developed a Reconciliation committee made up of dedicated local Indigenous People, community members and Anchor staff. Bringing a wealth of knowledge, skills and varying perspectives, our committee will help guide us toward practical actions that will drive our contribution to Reconciliation both internally and in the communities in which we operate.
To ensure we truly make an impact this year, we are encouraging all our stakeholders, community members, clients and partners to immerse themselves in National Reconciliation Week. With COVID-19 safe events around your local area, there are plenty of celebrations and activities that help educate, inform and understand the importance of this week and why Reconciliation involves everyone.
Below are some key events that are taking place around the Maroondah, Yarra Ranges and Knox LGA’s in which Anchor has close community and partnership ties. There are plenty more events occurring, and you can find out what’s happening this NRW via the local council website or the official NRW page.
We each have a collective role to play toward Reconciliation and towards more impactful action.
Event: Our Country, Our Future, Our Shared Responsibility
Event: Reconciliation Week Event
Event: National Sorry Day Ceremony – Live Stream Event
Other Reconciliation events: There are plenty of National Reconciliation events occurring in your area. Please click here to see a comprehensive list of events.